The Underworld Cold Iron Mine lay north of Dingling County.
Nestled amid encircling mountains, it was shrouded in dense mist all year round.
An ancient stone stele stood at the entrance to the mine.
The four large words "Underworld Cold Iron" were carved upon it, their strokes long since eroded beyond recognition by wind and rain.
A hundred years ago, the Liu Family, one of Dingling County's great clans, had contracted it.
It had become an important source of the Liu Family's wealth.
When Fang Heng led the people from the Ministry of Agriculture to the mountain mine—
The Liu Family guards outside the mine spotted Fang Heng's group from afar.
Thinking that Rogue Cultivators had come to steal again, they were just about to teach them a lesson as usual.
But then, a sharp-eyed guard noticed the official robes worn by Fang Heng's group.
"They're from the government."
"The government? What's there to fear?"
"Doesn't even the county magistrate have to invite our master to dinner?"
"Their official robes are different from those worn by the county yamen."
"What's different about their clothes?"
"There are python patterns embroidered on their official robes."
"Gasp—python robes! It's the Ninth Prince!"
The Liu Family guards immediately fell into a panic.
Python robes were not something just anyone could wear.
In Dingling County, the only one entitled to wear such robes was the Ninth Prince who had come here to farm.
"Quick, report this to Master."
The guard captain quickly steadied himself and hurriedly gave the order.
Meanwhile, he prepared to step forward and stall Fang Heng's group.
From a distance, Fang Heng saw the Liu Family guards stirring. He showed no mercy and shouted sharply.
"Take all these guards down!"
The Liu Family was a great clan of Dingling County, and every